Tag: FEAR

Today is the day after the second London terror attack in less than 3 months. We’re not even 2 weeks from the Manchester attacks. Having this happen makes me realise how utterly trivial my anxiety disorder is, and that there are bigger issues going on the world to be worried about. Knowing this will not stop me from worrying relentlessly about social situations or my health, but it does give a lot of food for thought.

I have watched all the news correspondence and read the articles with regards to last night, and my heart is breaking for those affected by this latest cowardly attack. I also feel very angry to think that there are people out there, so incredibly warped, to think that taking lives is a means to an end. This is a horrible game of tit-for-tat that we, the general population, are paying the price for. The sister of Salman Abedi (Manchester bomber), said he wanted the UK to know what it was like to have innocent children blown up, so we’d know what Syria are going through. This is the level of mentality we’re working with here. The reasoning behind both attacks in London is unclear, although we can be sure that every attack on us, is directly related to our involvement in Syria. Why are we even involved in the war in Syria in the first place? I’m yet to actually hear a conclusive and honest answer to that question. The decisions that are made, with regards to our military and the bombs that are dropped, are not made by us, they are made by our government. Killing us doesn’t make them pay, they don’t care. Do these extremists’ honestly think that Theresa May will lose a single ounce of sleep tonight, as she hangs upside down in her cave? No! Why? Because her security team will always make sure she’s ok. We, the public, do NOT agree with what is happening in Syria. I for one, cannot even bring myself to watch any of the new correspondence from there any more, as it just breaks my heart. I also believe that we should be taking in every single Syrian refugee that comes to our borders, as they wouldn’t be in this situation without our shitty governments help. These extremists’ attempts are in vain, but this will not stop them. They’re out to make a point and instil fear, and really, for someone like me who’s already fearful, it’s working.

So here I am, worried about what might happen. Worried for my children, and the places they go. I’ve already asked them to avoid places that might be crowded, for example, there is a wee music festival taking place just down the road from where I live, and I’ve asked that when they’re out today, can they please avoid this at all costs. Now, even as I type this I feel ridiculous. Am I just instilling the fear into them, am I creating unnecessary worry for them, but then what if I don’t, what if I just let them go and do their thing and something was to happen? Would I ever forgive myself? Definitely not.

This time next week I’ll be at the Download Music Festival . This was something I was already worried about, as it’s putting me into a situation where I’ll be 300miles away from my comfort zone, I’ll be in large crowds, it will be sensory overload, but you know what, I was more than prepared to push through all of these factors, for the love I have for the bands I’m going to see. Now, given what has happened recently, I’m now worried about a potential terrorist attack. I’m worried that because it’s in Leicester and because it’s a particularly large gathering, that it may well be a target. My eldest asked me today if I was still going, as he was worried because it was in England. Now I’m sure that not just England will be a target, I’m sure these extremists are plotting all over, but given recent events we cannot be blamed for being concerned. My mind already races constantly about all the things that could kill me from day to day, but now I have something more real, more tangible to be concerned about. Even as I type this blog, my palms are sweating and my heart is racing. I have worried myself to the point of actually feeling sick, and even considering selling my tickets. The tickets that have been bought for over 8months, for an event that I’ve been so excited about, more excited than anything else ever in my life, and I was about to just up and sell my chance to see Aerosmith on their farewell tour. This was, until I spoke with friends and my sister, who said:

You really want to willingly give up seeing Steve Tyler for those f******?!? I thought you were made of tougher stuff. Just keep thinking ….Steve Tyler!!
Isis today called for “all out war won the west” asking for attacks on ‘infidels’ in the streets, and in their homes. so to be fair, homes aren’t safe if they keep it up…you have to live your life…live it!

My sister, the voice of reason, as always. If we’re not even safe in our own homes, what is the point? What is the point in staying at home being fearful to live our lives, when they will seek out to do harm just about anywhere?

Also, a friend of mine on Facebook today said something very poignant;

STOP WATCHING THE NEWS. START LIVING YOUR LIFE
I am a great believer that terrorism, as stated only exists because people believe it does. what is happening is dreadful, but the media make it powerful. I was brought up with the IRA, Badder Meinhof, Red Brigade, ETA, Chinese Red Brigade. [This] was a weekly occurrence, but was inevitably ignored from the news and they all disappeared. It is a state of fear that I will not have any part of. Sorry, bit of a rant. And I am not afraid.

At first, I found myself thinking, “Well surely not watching it, and not keeping up to date, is just burying our heads in the sand? What good is that?”. Then, I’ve found myself realising that this could just be right. If we don’t feed the fear, and fuel the fire, perhaps they will stop, if the exposure they’re looking for, is not achieved.

So, given all I’ve said, what do I do? Do I give into my fear and stay home, where I think I will be safe? Or, do I choose to not let these cowardly extremists take more from me, than I already take from myself, and go for what will be an awesome weekend? Given everything, I believe it will have to be the latter. I will continue to be scared right up until the point of heading off on my long drive, I will no doubt be a wreck when standing in the large crowd/queue to get in, and even once there I will no doubt be extra vigilant, but you know what? I’ve already missed out on so much, due to being scared, and this festival is everything to me. I love music, as I’m sure all of you reading this can relate, but what is sad for me, is I’ve never seen a band I love live. I usually sit in the comfort of my own home at watch them on Sky Arts.

I’ve concluded that I’m already fearful enough. I already have enough day-to-day worries about everyone and everything, and I refuse to let these terrorists/extremists be added to it. I will look to not tune into the news, I will choose to be someone who will not add fuel to the fire, or give them the exposure they’re looking for. If you suffer from anxiety, and you too have found your anxiety has heightened due to the recent attacks, I hope you join me in not letting this be another matter to consume your daily life. I’m not suggesting it will be easy, I am still feeling the fear in the pit of my stomach. Speaking to my sister and my friends has not just been some magic wand that has made my initial fear of this entire situation go, but it has given me some much needed perspective and a way to tackle moving forward.